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April 3, 2014 <br /> Dallas Larson, Centerville City Administrator <br /> Jim Keinath, Circle Pines City Administrator <br /> Jeff Karlson, Lino Lakes City Administrator <br /> Gentleman, <br /> Please accept this as my official letter of resignation from the Centennial Fire District. I have <br /> accepted a position with the City of Andover and it was formally approved by their Council on <br /> Tuesday night. In order to meet the requirements of the City of Lino Lakes policy for separation, <br /> my last week will be the week of April 21 If I am not needed at the Fire Steering meeting on <br /> the 24 I will likely take some time off before the end of the week and go someplace warm. <br /> Words cannot express the enjoyment I have had working for the Centennial Fire District. The <br /> complexities of a joint powers operation allowed me to learn so many aspects of leading teams <br /> and operating a fire district. I will always be thankful for our relationship and the opportunities <br /> you gave me and will carry the lessons I have learned here with me forever. <br /> As a new chief in a complex system, your mentorship and guidance helped me make sound <br /> decisions and direct the fire district to a new level. The collaboration amongst the steering <br /> committee members assisted in raising organizational morale by providing a safer and more <br /> family friendly environment for our volunteers. <br /> Over the past five months however, the latest move by Lino Lakes to withdraw from the district <br /> is providing an opposite affect and I am afraid it has had a negative impact on our personnel <br /> and public safety overall. Though I understand all sides of the issue, I believe it could have <br /> been resolved if more time were offered and the insults were left at the door. The withdrawal <br /> will cost every city more money and will be a loss for everyone. My biggest fear is the decision <br /> will reduce safety for the firefighters and lower service for all if not designed using national <br /> standards and best practices. I encourage each of you to continue to support the firefighters <br /> and their families as they are the foundation to everything needed to have an effective fire <br /> department. Anyone can build a patch, but that does not build a fire department! <br /> Thank yo a continued support and I wish you all the best with the challenges before you. <br /> i er , <br /> L. eich <br />